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Issue 52 – February 2015 – QUEEN MARGARET CALLING
C
urrent Year 9 students Lara Cooke and Paris Lokotui
were two of twelve young people from the Wellington
region celebrated for their successes, achievements
and contributions at an awards ceremony last October.
Lara won the junior category for the Courage In Adversity
Award while Paris won the Junior Youth Leadership and
Teamwork Award.
Lara was nominated by the College for her attitude to
dealing with chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia over two years ago.
The cancer made a dramatic change to Lara’s life including
a temporary relocation to Christchurch.
To illustrate her struggle, Lara is the proud owner of 1033
Beads of Courage. Each bead represents a certain experience
for Lara, including chemotherapy treatment, hair loss,
overnight stays and blood draws.
Despite the impact of the cancer, Lara insisted coming to
school when she could, an attitude she was commended for by her
teachers. She even continued ballet and netball, and pushed herself
to take up the flute, all while still undergoing cancer treatment.
With the cancer now in remission, Lara hopes to start gymnastics
again soon, and to take up touch rugby.
Paris was nominated for her leadership in the sporting arena
participating in numerous sports, including Netball, Basketball,
Waterpolo, Swimming and Hockey.
She is captain and co-captain of over ten teams, as well as being
in the Celesta choir and Banditas band.
“I like to keep busy and give everything a go,” Paris says.
Paris believes taking part in so many extra-curricular activities
has improved her leadership skills.
“I learnt that you have to step up and from being a teammember
to being captain of a team,” Paris says.
“You have to show that you are dedicated.”
The College has also acknowledged Paris’ sporting ability by
awarding her the Fuji Xerox Year 9 Sports Scholarship. This five year
scholarship sees the recipient receive 50 percent of their fees paid by
Fuji Xerox.
DeputyWellingtonMayor Justin Lester opened the Pride Awards
last year and said he was extremely impressed with the quality of the
finalists and the winners at the Pride Awards 2014.
“They are Wellington’s budding leaders…Their compassion,
commitment and dedication to serving local communities is heart-
warming,” Justin said.
“A Pride Award is deserved recognition of their efforts and I
congratulate the Pride Awards Trust for their acknowledgement of
Wellington’s young people.”
Passionate and Proud
Two Queen Margaret College students were recognised for their spirit and attitude at the 2014
Pride Awards.
Junior School Fiesta
J
unior School staff and students enjoyed a wonderful morning of
festivities with House Fiesta Day led by Year 6 House Leaders:
Ruby Havill, Beatrice Fordham Duncan, Sofia Pippos, Lilly
Taulelei and Fotene Yiappos.
The morning started with a costume parade and pom pom
making. Other activities were the Apple Ninja (running with apples
under your chin), Flower Loom making and the Taco run, which
was judged by well-known chef Martin Bosley.
